iving at 07.30 the next morning, the rest of the day
being spent in laying out the new camp. That day Lieut. Cazalet returned
from hospital and temporarily took command of "No. 2" Section (while Lieut.
Kindell went on a course at Zeitoun), afterwards taking over his old
section ("No. 1").

No sooner had the Brigade settled down in its new quarters than very
strenuous training was re-commenced--in addition there were inspections
galore--besides tactical schemes, almost every other day. Reinforcements
came up, which included many men new to the Squadron, which was, in
consequence, soon nearly up to strength. Lieut. King returned from
hospital, but still being far from well had, soon afterwards, to go back
there. On September 13th Lieut. Millman returned from hospital and Lieut.
Kindell from his course of instruction. Lieut. Millman resumed command of
his late section ("No. 3"). On September 14th the Squadron turned out in
complete marching order with transport, for a Divisional "scheme," the
Division moving south on a six-mile frontage, sections coming into action
with an imaginary enemy at various points.

[Illustration]

PART V.

THE GREAT ADVANCE OF 1918.

So well had the secret of the great operations, that were in view by the
Commander-in-Chief, been kept, that no one in the Squadron had any idea of
a general attack being in contemplation. It was, in fact, not until the day
that the Squadron was ordered to strike camp, that any officer or man
(except perhaps the officer commanding), became aware that a serious
movement was about to take place! An attack at any time would not, of
course, have been entirely unexpected, as we were always prepared for
something of the kind, but on this occasion the rumours that usually
precede operations of importance were entirely absent--although the number
of tactical schemes recently practised should have indicated that some
particular purpose was in view.

At 18.00 on September 17th, the Squadron paraded in full marching order,
and moved off, leaving all tents and buildings standing. _We never returned
to those quarters!_

The strength of the Squadron at this time was six officers, 212 O.R.'s, 181
riding horses, 80 draft mules, 43 pack animals. So far as can be
ascertained now, the following were the officers and N.C.O.'s:--

_Headquarters:_

Major L.F. St. John Davies, M.C.
Capt. R.H. Fairbairns, M.C.
S.S.M. Fleet, M.M.
S.Q.M.S. Fisher.
Farr.-Staff-Sergt. Robe